British Soap Awards Phillip Schofield
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Phillip Schofield hosts nostalgic British Soap Awards special

The awards have been cancelled this year

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The British Soap Awards Celebrates 21 Years took us on a trip down memory lane last night with host Phillip Schofield.

The This Morning presenter narrated the documentary looking back on the last 21 years of the ceremony.

But there were some memories that were too overwhelming for those watching at home.

Barbara Windsor brings tears to fans

Seeing the great Dame Barbara Windsor delivering her speech for her lifetime achievement award moved many as the Peggy Mitchell actress has since been battling Alzheimer’s disease.

The British Soap Awards Dame Barbara Windsor ITV
Barbara Windsor’s appearance moved fans (Credit: ITV)

Read more: The Road to Coronation Street fans stunned by EastEnders legend’s performance

As Barbara thanked the public and her on-screen sons Steve McFadden and Ross Kemp, she punched the air with joy and said she was “so, so proud to receive the award”.

Anne Kirkbride wins The British Soap Awards Lifetime Achievement gong

Also witnessing the tribute paid by William Roache (Coronation Street’s Ken Barlow) and Beverley Callard (Liz McDonald) to the late Anne Kirkbride – aka Deirdre Barlow – left some in tears.

William Roache Beverley Callard Anne Kirkbride tribute ITV
William and Beverley paid tribute to Anne Kirkbride (Credit: ITV)

She won the Lifetime Achievement award after her death in 2015 and it was subsequently collected by her husband, David.

Speaking about his co-star, William said: “Anne Kirkbride was a wonderful, natural and instinctive actress who devoted her career to Coronation Street

“Anne’s love and warmth shone through the character of Deirdre which is why she played the part for 42 years, becoming as much a part of the Street as the cobbles themselves.”

He referenced some of her biggest storylines for example Deirdre’s affair with Mike Baldwin and the ‘Free the Weatherfield One’ campaign.

The iconic Deirdre Barlow (Credit: ITV)

Other moments that were relived also had viewers in tears including the time Emmerdale was awarded Best Exit for the death of Batley the dog.

What did viewers say?

All grown up

Young Kelvin surprised fans (Credit: ITV)

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There was also a lot of surprise at seeing the youngsters of the soaps all grown up now.

Ray Quinn, then Brookside’s Anthony Murray who went on to play Hollyoaks’ villain Johnny, Kelvin Fletcher, Emmerdale’s Andy Sugden, Maisie Smith – aka EastEnders’ Tiffany Butcher – and Sam Aston, Corrie’s Chesney Brown all made appearances as their younger selves.

Many viewers were stunned by how “cute” they were, but also said it made them feel old!

What was your favourite moment of the British Soap Awards? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.


Carena Crawford
Associate Editor (Soaps)